In the world of data visualization, Grafana is an incredibly powerful tool that allows users to create interactive dashboards. However, one common challenge users face is how to make a panel show only the filtered variables. This article will explain the problem and how to effectively implement this in your Grafana dashboard.
Problem Scenario
When setting up a Grafana panel, users often want to filter the data they are displaying to enhance readability and focus on specific metrics. However, they may find that the panel displays all variables rather than just the filtered ones. This can lead to confusion and clutter in the dashboard.
Original Code Example
Here’s a simplified example to illustrate the problem.
{
"id": 1,
"title": "Example Panel",
"datasource": "MyDataSource",
"targets": [
{
"target": "my.metric",
"refId": "A"
}
]
}
In this scenario, the panel is configured to pull data from a metric called my.metric. However, the panel displays all possible data points from this metric, not just the filtered variables.
Understanding the Issue
When you create a Grafana panel, the data is often retrieved from a wide range of sources, and unless you specify filters, it will display all available data. This is particularly problematic when you’re dealing with extensive datasets. Displaying only filtered variables not only improves the aesthetic of your dashboard but also enhances user experience by making the data more digestible.
How to Filter Variables in Grafana Panels
To display only filtered variables in your Grafana panel, follow these steps:
-
Define Variables: Start by creating template variables in your dashboard. These variables allow users to filter the data dynamically.
- Go to Dashboard settings > Variables.
- Click Add variable.
- Choose the Data source, and set the query that retrieves the desired values.
-
Use Variables in Your Query: Once you've defined your variables, you can use them in your panel queries to filter the data. For example, if you created a variable
$myFilter, you can adjust the panel's query as follows:{ "id": 2, "title": "Filtered Panel", "datasource": "MyDataSource", "targets": [ { "target": "my.metric{$myFilter}", "refId": "A" } ] } -
Update Panel Settings: Ensure that the panel settings are configured to respect the applied filters. This will automatically update the displayed data based on user selections from the template variables.
Practical Example
Let’s say you have a panel showing server performance metrics across different regions. By implementing filtering, you can allow users to select a specific region from a dropdown menu.
Here’s an example of how you might set this up:
- Variable Name:
region - Query:
query for regions
Once the variable is set, update your metric query to:
"target": "server.performance{region=$region}",
Now, when users select a specific region, the panel dynamically updates to show only the performance metrics for that selected region.
Conclusion
By filtering variables in Grafana panels, you can enhance your dashboard's usability and focus. Users will appreciate the cleaner interface and more relevant data. Remember to always double-check your queries and settings to ensure they reflect the desired filtered results.
Useful Resources
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Grafana panels are both informative and user-friendly, leading to better insights and data-driven decisions.
